There was an accident. A terrible, irreversible, accident. A young family came to Hawaii for a family reunion. They stood amidst the downward growing roots of a massive banyan tree. The family dressed in beige slacks and matching white shirts. Three carefree girls smiled happily as...
This past March at an education conference, I asked a panel on multiculturalism and diversity about best practices to increase the multicultural teachings for my students, given their limited exposure to diversity in the school. The overwhelming response of “put your rich white kids on...
One single butterfly floating through the air with the flapping of the Monarch’s delicate wings during the winter season is an occurrence that one rarely sees. However, the butterfly brings a sense of hope and new beginnings for the future. Could this one single butterfly...
There is a strong desire in me to become a great voice for educators through writing about the hot topics that are current and on the front burner of all things changing in education. Someday soon, I will get to that, but for now I...
The much-maligned Common Core State Standards are designed to prepare students to be “college and career ready” by emphasizing inquiry-based learning and critical thinking. Most experienced educators agree that this approach engages students in powerful ways that helps them grab onto their own learning and...
I have the unique experience of serving this year in two advocacy networks. The first is as a State Teacher Fellow (STF) with Hope Street Group, a non-profit, non-partisan organization who has given me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. The second is the...
As we close out the year, I’d like to reflect on 2015 and give a preview of what’s to come in 2016. Anyone following teacher preparation this year will know this is a trending topic. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awarded millions of dollars...
"Teachers are essential...
Twice in the past few weeks, NPR’s Education page has featured articles examining the reasons that some teachers leave or stay in the teaching profession. Many “go-to” responses to this question of why teachers stay or leave have to do with teacher burnout, teacher pay,...
Becoming a Hope Street Group National Teacher Fellow was as impactful to my leadership journey as obtaining National Board certification. Hope Street Group is a nonprofit organization that empowers teachers to reach deep inside themselves and affect education policy as a leader. The experience of...